The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), in conjunction with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), will hold a technical forum on 42-volt technology. In his presentation “Charged for the Future: The Debut of the 42-Volt System,” automotive expert Norman Traub will tackle these issues at a seminar Oct 30, 2001, from 4 to 5:30 pm and Nov 1, 2001 from 8 to 9:30 am. AAPEX will be held Oct 30 — Nov 2, 2001 ,at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas NV.
Power demand on small cars has doubled since 1990. By 2005, the demand will almost double again, predict some experts. Since wire diameter is a critical element in current handling capacity (200 amps), the only way to gain additional power in a vehicle's electrical system without increasing wire diameter is to increase voltage. It has been agreed internationally that 42 volts — in a conventional, unprotected vehicle system — would allow a maximum power rating of about 9 kilowatts without exceeding 200 amps.